AMBITIOUS facelift plans for Hull city centre will be turned into reality in time for the 2017 UK City of Culture.
That's the view of city council cabinet member Martin Mancey after details of the £25m programme were made public.
The makeover includes repaving most of the city centre's main streets, turning some into pedestrian- only routes, revamping Queens Gardens and installing hi-tech lighting to illuminate many of the area's historic buildings at night.
The amphitheatre at Beverley Gate will be filled in, while the historic remains of the Old Town's medieval walls will be encased in architectural glass.
The council is also examining the option of moving the Wilberforce Monument back to its original position between Queen Victoria Square and Whitefriargate.
Councillor Mancey said: "We have set ourselves a pretty tight deadline, but I am confident most, if not all of the necessary work can be completed in time for 2017. "There are always some unknowns when you embark on a project of this scale and we will have to deal with them as they come along."
Cllr Mancey said while a final decision had yet to be made on moving the Wilberforce Monument, the proposed new treatment of Beverley Gate was an example of the council's efforts to improve the quality of the city centre.
He said: "The site of Beverley Gate marks one of the most important episodes in our history, when King Charles I was refused entry to Hull, but I'm afraid it doesn't really do any justice to that at the moment.
"Although Hull has a magnificent architectural heritage, sadly, some of our public spaces and key routes do need considerably reinvigorating.
"We need to tie the core of the city together while making the most of our heritage and architecture.
"These proposed improvements will have tangible social, economic and cultural benefits to the people of Hull, to investors, businesses and to the tourism industry.
"They will create jobs and opportunities for our workforce and our young people."
Gifty Burrows, who chairs the recently launched William Wilberforce Monument Fund, said she welcomed the idea of moving the landmark back to its original location.
The charity is raising funds to light the monument and promote the Wilberforce legacy in the context of past and modern-day slavery.
She said: "I can see the pros and cons of both sites, but if the monument was moved I do think it would raise the profile of Wilberforce and his legacy even more because it would be in such a central position.
"We will carry on with our campaign until there is a decision one way or another but I am very pleased the council has recognised the importance of the monument in these plans and what we are trying to achieve, too."
The council is set to stage a series of pop-up public exhibitions showcasing the proposals over the summer.
The authority will also be giving presentations to key business groups with an interest in the city centre, with some work expected to start later this year.
